Oakmont Country Club holds a special place in golf history, marked by iconic moments and legendary performances. Two tales stand out: Jack Nicklaus's breakthrough victory at the 1962 U.S. Open and Johnny Miller's stunning final round in the 1973 U.S. Open. Both stories intertwine with the legacy of Arnold Palmer.
Nicklaus and Palmer: A Rivalry Forged in Friendship
In 1962, a young Jack Nicklaus arrived at Oakmont, facing Arnold Palmer, a local hero already a golfing superstar. Nicklaus, at just 21, defeated Palmer in an 18-hole playoff, claiming his first major championship and igniting a historic rivalry.
“Arnie was the guy you had to beat if you wanted to win,” Nicklaus recalled. Despite the fierce competition, a deep friendship blossomed. Palmer mentored Nicklaus early in his career, treating him as an equal. "Arnold became one of the closest friends that I have ever had in the game.”
Nicklaus admitted feeling confident despite lacking local knowledge. “I didn’t know anything about Oakmont coming into the 1962 championship. I came in 10 days before the tournament and played a couple of times. I finished second in 1960 and fourth in 1961 (at the U.S. Open) so I felt like this was my open to win.”
Miller's Divine Tip: A 63 for the Ages
Eleven years later, Johnny Miller etched his name into Oakmont lore. Trailing by six strokes heading into the final round of the 1973 U.S. Open, Miller received an unusual tip during his warm-up: "Open your stance way up.”
Hesitant but desperate, Miller tried it. The results were immediate. He birdied the first four holes and went on to shoot a record-breaking 63, the lowest round in major championship history at the time. He hit 13 of 14 fairways and all 18 greens in regulation.
Miller shared the added challenge of playing with Arnold Palmer in the first two rounds, noting the difficulty playing in front of "Arnie’s Army."
Oakmont: A Stage for Legends
These two stories, separated by time but united by Oakmont's challenging fairways, showcase the drama and legacy of major championship golf. From Nicklaus's emergence to Miller's miracle round, Oakmont continues to be a place where legends are made. The influence and spirit of Arnold Palmer is interwoven in both stories, leaving an enduring mark on the game.